Craig Naivar reportedly accepts Kentucky coaching position

Sources confirm that over the weekend defensive coordinator Craig Naivar accepted a special teams coordinator and safeties coach position at Kentucky.

Naivar served as the Bobcats’ defensive coordinator from 2004-2007 before leaving for Rice. He returned to the position in 2011. Naivar will replace Bradley Dale Peveto, who will be the special teams coordinator and defensive assistant for the LSU Tigers.

Naivar had the fourth-best total defense in the Sun Belt Conference this past season, allowing 396.7 yards per game. Texas State had the best rushing defense in the conference for the 2013 season under Naivar, giving up 147.4 yards on the ground per contest.

Justin Iwuji, former Texas State safety, made Second Team All-Sun Belt while linebackers David Mayo and Mike Orakpo were conference honorable mentions under Naiver.

Orakpo tweeted Tuesday night, “Blessed to have had the pleasure of continuing my college career under (Craig Naivar). Kentucky you got a hell of a coach and (an) even better man.”

An official announcement is expected to be made by the athletic department Wednesday regarding Naivar’s departure.